What is the essential kit for the street photographer?

I'm tired of lugging around my big dslr body and glass, and using them I feel I'm imposing myself and interfering more with my surroundings than I intend to and I'm comfortable with. I want to get back to the fun I had with my old OM system, and because of this I've almost decided to get the black Olympus E-p3 with the 17mm f2.8 kit lens. (The lens appears to be good value as included in the kit). Now, before I take the plunge, I would be delighted by whatever advice or caveats the experienced crowd in this place could give me. As the subject line suggests, I plan to use this camera in the street and in my home. I would especially appreciate comments on what extra bits and pieces would make my experience smoother/funnier/better/more interesting. I take it an extra battery, for example, is a good investment, but the Olympus OM-adapter for the M43 mount seems excessively expensive (is there any electronic bits in the adapter, or what explains the price tag?).

Am I making a mistake? What accessories are a must for this system? Which software works best with the camera?

I hope you will be able help me.

Fuji x100 seems to fit your needs quite well. Its got the 36mm equiv lens, APSc sensor, hybrid EVF/OVF, built in ND filters, super quiet leaf shutter, inconspicuous look, etc.

If youre looking for more than street shooting, then i guess you have to go with a system camera.

Macx said:

I'm tired of lugging around my big dslr body and glass, and using them I feel I'm imposing myself and interfering more with my surroundings than I intend to and I'm comfortable with. I want to get back to the fun I had with my old OM system, and because of this I've almost decided to get the black Olympus E-p3 with the 17mm f2.8 kit lens. (The lens appears to be good value as included in the kit). Now, before I take the plunge, I would be delighted by whatever advice or caveats the experienced crowd in this place could give me. As the subject line suggests, I plan to use this camera in the street and in my home. I would especially appreciate comments on what extra bits and pieces would make my experience smoother/funnier/better/more interesting. I take it an extra battery, for example, is a good investment, but the Olympus OM-adapter for the M43 mount seems excessively expensive (is there any electronic bits in the adapter, or what explains the price tag?).

Am I making a mistake? What accessories are a must for this system? Which software works best with the camera?

I hope you will be able help me.

Click to expand...

M4/3 cameras can work very well for street photography. Don't obsess about equipment beyond a couple of memory cards and maybe a spare battery.

I have an E-pl2 and an E-p2 that I use for street and venue photography. I keep a MF lens on the E-pl2 and 20mm 1.7 Panasonic on the E-p2. Frankly unless I encounter conditions where the MF lens gives me an advantage I shoot the 20mm 1.7 most of the time. There are plenty of cheap OM lens adapters available. Check some of the threads here to see which ones are well regarded.

As far as processing is concerned I use LightRoom and Photoshop. That is because I shoot only raw and post process everything. The jpeg output from the Olympus cameras is outstanding so I don't necessarily recommend shooting raw for casual street work.

Mostly I would say have fun and stay loose while shooting on the street.

--
kw
http://www.thealamoproject.com/
http://www.pbase.com/kwhite

Macx said:

I've almost decided to get the black Olympus E-p3 with the 17mm f2.8 kit lens.

Click to expand...

great choice; (you'll really enjoy it after coming from the OM system)

As for batteries, if the EP3 is like the EP2 then it eats batteries (even worse than the infamous OM4!). I bought several of the cheapo chinese batteries from Amazon. Always good to carry a few with you.

Any m4/3 Pen camera + 20mm f1.7 Panasonic. The 20 has become a legendary lens in its own time. However, what you are contemplating (the Pen and 17mm f2.8 Oly) would work just fine and was the classic FOV and lens speed used by film point-and-shooters for decades. The Pen camera batteries do, however, drain quickly and you need to carry at least one, maybe more, fully charged spares if you are out for the day and think you'll do a lot of shooting.

The essential kit will very much depend on your personal preferences and style of shooting.

My2p:

The EP3 with 17mm would be an excellent choice for general street shooting. Do not take any notice of critics of this lens unless you are more interested in test chart photography than taking photographs. have you considered other focal lengths such as the Panasonic 14mm or 20mm? Advantages of the Olympus body with these primes is that you have in body stabilisation which can be useful in fast moving street situations, or if you are operating one handed.

The disadvantage of the lenses for street is that you don't have on lens distance scales for preset zone focussing. Fine if you are happy with AF, otherwise a bit of a pain. Older "legacy" lenses including manual Zuikos with distance scales can be adapted to the body with a cheap adapter but the 2x crop factor means that to get a suitable focal length around 35mm is not cheap. There is a new expensive 24mm equivalent mft Zuiko available with distance scales, but you may find this too wide angle for general street.

An accessory viewfinder would be a usefull add on, but makes the whole package fairly expensive. Very much depends on your preferences, and will affect the reaction of subjects in candid situations.

Have you considered opting for the EPL3? It has the same sensor as the EP3 but with the addition of a tilting LCD, which some street shooters find invaluable for candids. Olympus currently has cashback offers on the EPL3 but may not be available as kit with the 17mm. (which can be picked up for about £100 used).

Above all, don't get sucked in to the constant obsessing on these forums about ultimate lens/sensor/body quality. Get hold of any of Bruce Davidson's iconic books on street photography for inspiration, e.g. "Subway". Have fun and do it your own way.

Macx said:

I'm tired of lugging around my big dslr body and glass, and using them I feel I'm imposing myself and interfering more with my surroundings than I intend to and I'm comfortable with. I want to get back to the fun I had with my old OM system, and because of this I've almost decided to get the black Olympus E-p3 with the 17mm f2.8 kit lens.

Am I making a mistake? What accessories are a must for this system? Which software works best with the camera?

Click to expand...

Sounds pretty good.

Take a look at the EPL3. The guts are the same as the EP3, but the tilting LCD is excellent for street shooting. You can comfortably and discretely compose and shoot from waist level. It really adds a lot of flexibility. It also is works very well for macro shooting.

I always carry a manual 50mm f1.4 lens for times when I want a little more reach or simply want to stand back a bit more and not be noticed.

Thank you all for your replies.

In general, I'm not too concerned about megapixels and such, but when shopping for a new system it's hard not to get into such comparisons. Besides bringing down the size/weight/"presence" of the system, my main concern is the handling/ergonomics of the system.

Whatever I choose, I just don't want to make the of experience of breaking into a new camera/system harder than it needed to be, by being ignorant of particular pieces of gear or tools.

I've been reading up on your suggestions, I hope you'll forgive me answering you all in one post instead of spamming the thread.

@Jogger: The Fuji x100 is an extremely attractive camera. It does tick most of my boxes, but I'm concerned about buying something without an interchangeable lens. It might be that I'm just too conservative on that point since I've been using system cameras most of my life. You've given me something to think about, but I think I'll stick with the more flexible option. I guess I want my new camera to replace my dslr as well as it can, not be a 2nd camera, for which the Fuji seems ideal.

@kgwhite: That sounds very good, and close to how I wish to use my new camera. I've read the great reviews of the 20mm Panasonic lens, and I considered getting that and the Pen-body without a kit lens, but the extra cost of the kit lens is fairly small, so it seems almost a waste not to take advantage of that deal. I'm relieved that 3rd party OM adapters can fully substitute the brand ones. Thank you for the software recommendations, I suspect I'll shoot RAW+JPEG most of the time, memory permitting.

@weesab: Thanks for the advice! Yeah, I still have a OM4 on the shelf. The mad thing was how fast it burned thru the batteries when it was turned OFF! Crazy. I loved the spot metering on it, though. Have you found the chinese batteries comparable to the brand ones?

@PSCL1: Thanks you too. I'm beginning to get a bit worried about the battery drain on the Pen. There isn't any alternative battery packs or even an AC adapter for these, are there?

@Jim Marshall4057: I realise the 17mm is in a bit of a no-man's land between "normal" and "wide-angle", and to be honest, I'd probably prefer a 20mm focal width. As I wrote above, I have considered both Panasonic lenses, but the 17mm kit just seems to me to be good value, compared to buying the the Pana-lenses separately. I wouldn't mind paying extra, but if the lenses are fairly comparable, I think I'll stick with the kit lens and consider upgrading to the Pana if I miss the smaller DoF of the 20mm.

I plan to get some use out of my old Zuiko OM lenses, but I don't have any that translates into a wide-angle on 4:3 sensor, unfortunately. I've read about the new 24 mm and it looks gorgeous with its "proper" manual focus, but I doubt it would be the lens I kept on the body for most of the day. Even so I'd still very much want it.

With regards to a viewfinder, I think I'll miss not having a viewfinder on the Pen. The add-on viewfinder seems to have a good screen, but it seems a bit impractical "in the field" to me. I'd fear getting it caught on a strap or clothing and tearing if off the camera. I don't usually yank my camera violently around, though, so I might be overly anxious. Do you have any experience working with one?

Yes, the EPL3's tilting LCD might be enough to make me choose that instead of it's pricier sibling. I don't doubt for a minute, it'll come in handy. I'm just not convinced about the ergonomics of the EPL3, losing the grip and a thumb dial. (I'll miss the built in level gauge too, but I suppose I could pop one in the flash shoe when needed.) Hmmm, I think I'll need some hands-on experience to decide on that.

@jeffharris: You raise two very good points. As I wrote above, I'm going to have to try getting a feel for the ergonomics of both models in the shop. Though I find the design of the regular Pens to be very attractive, the plainer looks of the EPL3 is probably often an advantage.

I hope to get some use out of my old Zuiko 50mm as well as a short tele, too. How is your experience with the image quality of your 50mm? Is there some sort of RAW-profile to adjust distortion and vignetting for post-processing like what is built in with the modern 4:3 lenses?

For me a camera with a tilting screen is the best solution for any type of photography.

I love my E PL 3 with the 25 mm panasonic leica but for some the 20 mm is the best solution. Focal length is a very subjective choice.
Waist level composing is extremely handy.

I have the E-P2, the ZD17mm, the PL25mm and the Om 50mm in my bag... Most lens used is the 17mm, I feel in love with that focal plane for street photography. Also likes the 25 in the nigth! With f1.4, IS on, ISO 400 and ambience light I can take a shot without noise, without blurr and withput tripod. It's an amazing lens. I never used th OM 50mm in the street, is a grat lens, but it's too long.

Take a look to my street gallerys

http://juansinponte.blogspot.com/2011/12/street-photography-i-santiago-de.html

http://juansinponte.blogspot.com/2011/12/street-photography-ii-muros.html

http://juansinponte.blogspot.com/2012/01/street-photograpy-iii-santiago-de.html

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juansinponte
http://juansinponte.blogspot.com/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/juansinponte/sets/72157615036560003/show/

Hiya Macx

My basic walk-around kit is E-PL3 with either the 17mm plus matching OVF or the Panny 14mm with a Voigtlander 28mm OVF (there are others about, but this was the only one I could find on eBay here in Oz at the time). I'm trying to make up my mind about which way I will go! Back in the day, the f2 28mm on the OM1 was my standard (what a jewel) but I had a great time with a Canon 7s and 35mm lens.

I find shooting through the OVF gives a freedom to my photography -- or at least, that's how I feel and I like it. For some reason, with the OVF I generally like the 17mm (35mm equiv) better, and I have to push myself to use the 14mm (28mm dequiv) which I prefer with the VF-3 fitted!

I have the VF-3 for use with longer lenses.

Incidentally, I did think of going all the way to the f2 12mm but rejected that on the grounds of size. There is an OVF fortht -- the 24mm equiv OVF Panny sells for the LX3/5. But I want small and flat. The panny 14mm and Voigtlander OVF are smaller and flatter, but the Olyv 17mm OVF, which bigger, is an excellent viewfinder.

I did go for the E-PM1 initially for ultra lightness, but after a couple of months of getting great results from it (see link to my blog in the signature line), I decided to go up to the E-PL3 for near the same weight but with the addition of a couple of extra buttons and the tilting screen (not for street photography but for low level close-ups and the like). In practice, I find the E-PL3's ergonomics a touch better.

Grip? Three little stick-on rubber furniture feet do the job perfectly -- and you can move them around till you find the best position. (My middle finger goes over the top one -- which is flat -- then sits between the two lower ones -- which are rounded -- and the lens. Great grip at a cost of about $3!)

Also, carrying this little camera on a sling -- in fact, an elastic sling -- means super fast action. I have dumped the sling you see in the pic below (it's gone back to its original duty of holding my phone) for a slightly stronger one for the slightly heavier E-PL3. The sling I have now is simply a meter of broad elastic threaded through the thing on the camera and tired in a knot at the ends! Cost $1.60! The beauty of elastic is that you can keep the sling reasonably short but when you want to look through the screen or not work at eye level, you can just stretch it!

The picture shows the E-PM1. By the way, I switched from half a century of black cameras to the silver to be "anonymous" in the street. Small cameras are ubiquitous now and silver is by far the most common, so people seeing you with a silver camera just don't take it seriously -- allowing you to get your photo. Now a black camera says you are serious -- and trying to conceal your intention. People these days are pretty suspicious of that, I find.





Whatever you choose, have fun!

With the pancake lens and OVF on this little camera, I feel as though I've returned to my photographic childhood -- only better (except for my stuff like my eyesight, hand steadiness, vigor ... aargh, stop moaning you silly old codger!)

Cheers, geoff
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Geoffrey Heard
http://pngtimetraveller.blogspot.com/2011/10/return-to-karai-komana_31.html

Living in San Francisco, I take a lot of street photos. Always something going on here.

My blacked out GF1 with the 20mm lens, with the EVF and 45mm in my purse or pocket if I have room is all I ever use.





SF Photo Gal aka Queer Chick
Canon 1DsIII & 5DII/Panasonic GH1-GF1-LX3

...with people. Or rather, helps me connect with people.

As for something happening in SF all the time -- keep away from the churches (I've read "Tales of the City" ).

Like your new pic of yourself.

Cheers, geoff
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Geoffrey Heard
http://pngtimetraveller.blogspot.com/2011/10/return-to-karai-komana_31.html

allow me to tease you into ultimate street gear obsession!

EPL3 + 12mm f2 = flip screen and snap focus instant shooting! no need for autofocus or composing! blind machine gun from the hip! 24mm EFL wide angle for cropping multiple compositions from a single photograph! resolution and noise dont matter if you apply the classic mid century street shooter's grainy gritty black and white film art filter!

i'm serious, really.

I like the way that you equipped your camera with the grip and view finder. Any issues or concerns about carrying the camera with the view finder on?

I had an LX5. Put an electronic view finder on it.. One of my concerns was that I wanted to use it for skiing/landscape photos. I was concerned about carrying it with the EVF attached; and it took quite a while it seemed to rig the finder, take a photo and then disassemble the beast.

I love to carry a camera when skiing, but this rig did't work for me and has been replaced.

Your rig looks much more serviceable.

Best,
DaveL

Ricoh GRD111 or IV.
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Rube
http://www.flickr.com/photos/71881102@N00/

With the pancake w/a lens on plus the OVF plus the sling so the camera hangs down in front but is secure around your neck, I would think it would be ideal. You just raise the camera to your eye and press the button. One handed.

Look at the situation under which I was shooting here:

http://pngtimetraveller.blogspot.com/2011/10/kavieng-to-rabaul-with-solwara-meri.html

Standing in a speeding speed boat on open and moderately rough water, I was holding on for dear life with one hand and taking pix (in burst mode) with the other.

Cheers, geoff
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Geoffrey Heard
http://pngtimetraveller.blogspot.com/2011/10/return-to-karai-komana_31.html

E-PM1 plus the Oly 17mm is my own choice. The focal length is really good and the size makes it actually pocketable and totally inconspicuous. If you're a viewfinder kind of person, use the matched 17mm OVF.

I also like to carry the 45mm f/1.8 in a coat pocket. The extra reach is useful sometimes.

I use an E-PL2 with 9-18 mostly for street. If you're shooting from the hip you stand more chance of capturing your subject in frame.

I'd choose a PEN but test for the one with the quietest shutter. Your choice of lens would work.

IMO the adapter wouldn't be on my shortlist.

See link below for street pics with 9-18.

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Wormsmeat

http://www.flickr.com/photos/16702896@N04/sets/

The main thing you need is a street photographer and a camera he or she is comfortable with. I've been very happy with the EPL3 and either the 12 or 14mm lenses. But I've also shot extensively with the Nex 5, Ricoh GRD3, Pany LX5, Fuji X100 and Fuji X10 and if you can tell the differences between what I shoot with which camera you're doing better than I am. It all looks like my street photography to me.

I like shooting from the waist and the EPL3 / Nex flip up screen works REALLY well for that, but I've shot more without it than with it and do just fine either way. I personally can't stand shooting on the street with a viewfinder, but many folks feel just the opposite. Having essentially no shutter lag is pretty key and either AF you're comfortable with or a good zone focus system. I tend to use AF on the EPL3 but zone focus on the GRD3 or X10 - these are my three street cameras at the moment.

The main thing is to be comfortable shooting on the street. And to be comfortable with your camera - but it doesn't matter a whole lot what that camera is so long as it doesn't get in your way.

-Ray
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/20889767@N05/collections/72157626204295198/